Great Glass For Replacement Windows

Windows are mostly glass, so it makes sense that you want that glass to be high quality. No matter how well made your Vancouver, WA replacement windows are, they won’t be energy efficient or high functioning without good glass. Its imperative that you choose replacement windows with high-quality well-made glass to make sure your home stays comfortable, and your energy bills stay down.   

But what types of glass work best for energy efficient windows? And what makes these types of glass better than the other less efficient kinds?   

There are two main types of energy efficient glass. Insulated glass is one type. Insulated glass is actually two or more panes of glass separated from the others with sealed air chambers for increased insulation. These chambers can contain air or gas, but the chambers are usually filled with gas such as: 

• Argon Gas – a colorless, odorless, nontoxic and nonflammable inert gas. Heavier than air, it’s completely safe to be in your home. Argon insulates window glass by reducing heat and cold conduction between the panes, and acts as a noise depressant due to its density.  
• Krypton Gas – Krypton gas is much denser than Argon gas, and shares many of the same properties. Its higher density, however, means its even more insulating and noise reducing for a tougher window or door.  

Low-E glass is another ideal type of effective and efficient window glass. An extremely thin, almost undetectable metallic coating covers this glass to serve as an extra thermal barrier that reflects temperature into your indoor space. For example, in the winter, low-E glass reflects heat back into a room, effectively keeping the room warm while reducing your energy use.   

You can also shop for window and door glass by rating rather than by type. Window glass comes with general ratings to help buyers determine efficacy, quality, and value. The following values are very important: 

• R-Value – R-Value is a window or glass panels’ resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value means the window is more effective and highly insulating.  
• U-Factor – U-Factor, or U-Value, is a measurement of heat flow rate through a glass pane’s glazing system. Lower U-Values mean less heat and cold get through the glass, keeping your home comfortable.  
• SHGC – The SHGC, or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, measures the amount of solar radiation that gets through glass. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat gets into the home.  

If you want to learn more about the different kinds of energy efficient glass, or what ratings would make the best glass for your home, Lifetime Windows & Doors can help. We specialize in helping homeowners with their home’s energy efficiency, and that extends to glass and replacement windows in Vancouver, WA. Feel free to pay us a visit at 5021 NE 94th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98662. You can also schedule an in-home consultation for even more convenience. Give us a call today at (360) 726-6930 for more information or to schedule your consultation.